American high school kids refuse to conform to their friends' expectations and, instead, reach for the stars. A Disney made-for-TV movie in which Troy (Zac Efron), school basketball star, and Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens), shy brainbox, discover they both like to sing. Tragically separated shortly afterwards, it's not too long before they're reunited and decide to audition for the school musical, much to the disgust of the resident wannabe thespians.